Luton-born documentary maker Stacey Dooley is set to front three new BBC documentaries examining some of the UK’s most difficult and controversial issues.
The award-winning presenter and filmmaker will return to BBC Three and iPlayer with films investigating the death of a teenage soldier, the circumstances surrounding women who have died after falling from height, and the growing impact of ketamine addiction.
The announcement comes during a busy period for the former Stopsley High School pupil who, earlier this year, released her new book, Dear Minnie: Conversations with Remarkable Mothers.
Now, the BBC has revealed Dooley is back to in front of the camera, providing details of three further films currently in production.
In Death in the Barracks, Stacey investigates the death of 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021.
Jaysley’s death was ruled a suicide, but evidence later emerged that she had been sexually assaulted by a senior colleague and subjected to sustained harassment from her line manager, who sent her more than 4,600 WhatsApp messages. A coroner concluded that the Army’s handling of her complaints contributed to her death.
The documentary follows Jaysley’s family as they seek answers and campaign for changes to the way serious complaints are handled within the Armed Forces.
A second film, Fallen Women, explores a series of cases involving British women who died after falling from height.
The documentary begins with the case of Bianca Thomas, a Birmingham mother whose death after falling from an 11th-floor balcony was ruled accidental. Stacey meets Bianca’s family, who remain unhappy with the verdict and continue to question the circumstances surrounding her death.
The film goes on to examine concerns raised by campaigners, experts and bereaved relatives about whether domestic abuse and coercive control may have been overlooked in some similar cases.
The third documentary, Down the K-Hole, focuses on ketamine addiction and recovery.
Stacey spent five months inside a rehabilitation centre in Stockport, following former users as they attempt to rebuild their lives without drugs.
The programme examines the growing popularity of ketamine among younger people and the serious health consequences associated with long-term use, including chronic pain, bladder damage and major surgery.
Speaking about the three films, Dooley said: “Each one of these documentaries explores difficult, often overlooked issues, from the deaths of women where crucial questions remain, to the growing impact of ketamine use, and for some, the devastating reality faced by those living in military barracks.
“They are going to be some of the most challenging, and important films I’ve worked on here in the UK I’m sure. The access we have been afforded to meet those affected, to hear their stories and try to understand the broader picture feels like an enormous responsibility and one that isn’t lost on me.
“I would like to thank everyone who has agreed to contribute. And I hope all three films encourage thoughtful conversations.”
Emma Loach, the BBC’s interim head of commissioning for documentaries, praised Dooley’s approach to storytelling.
She said: “We’re incredibly proud to be bringing this new run of films with Stacey to audiences. She has a rare ability to connect with people and tell complex, often uncomfortable stories with warmth, clarity and real humanity.
“Across these documentaries, Stacey draws attention to urgent and deeply troubling issues here in the UK, creating space for voices and experiences that are too often unheard. These are powerful, intimate films that reflect the very best of British storytelling.”
Broadcast dates for the three new documentaries have yet to be announced.
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